Just west of Denver in the foothills is a great little swimming beach and paddleboard/kayak rental spot. On a hot day in the summer, it was a great way to cool off and have some fun digging in the sand. Bear Creek Lake Park also includes camping, hiking and horse trails, an archery range and fishing. At the park entrance, there is a per-car fee, and boat, paddleboard and kayak rentals were all reasonably priced. 
The boys enjoyed digging in the sand and made many new friends with cooler sand toys. When they got too hot in the sand, the water was chilly enough to be refreshing, but not too cold. We rented a paddleboard and tried it out for the first time. It was a perfect place to learn to paddleboard with no waves and smaller lake to explore. 
Up from the beach are a big playground, concessions stand and restrooms. Everything anyone would ever need for a day at the beach!
The Wandering Browns 